Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Talent Scout Aurelio Pereira: “Until Forever, Mr. Aurélio”
The football world is mourning the loss of one of its most influential talent scouts, Aurelio Pereira, the man widely credited with discovering Cristiano Ronaldo and shaping generations of Portuguese footballers. Pereira, the legendary former head of recruitment at Sporting CP, passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind an enduring legacy that stretches far beyond the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of Pereira’s most iconic discoveries, expressed heartfelt sorrow in a moving tribute on Instagram, calling him “one of the greatest symbols of world training.” The 40-year-old, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, shared:
“I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players. Until forever, Mr. Aurélio. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
🎯 A Legacy of Talent, Built on Vision
Aurelio Pereira wasn’t just a scout — he was a visionary architect of Portuguese football. After founding Sporting CP’s recruitment and training department in 1988, he spearheaded a revolutionary youth development system that didn’t just find talent — it nurtured it into greatness.
From Ronaldo to Ricardo Quaresma, João Moutinho, Luis Figo, and countless others, Pereira’s eye for potential transformed Sporting CP into a cradle of football excellence. His incredible impact was evident when 10 players in Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning squad were products of his system.
He was honored with the Medal of Sporting Merit in 2017 — a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to the beautiful game and the stars who shine in it.
💭 Opinion: Beyond the Stats, It's the Stories That Endure
In a sport dominated by flashy headlines and transfer fees, stories like Aurelio Pereira’s remind us of the unsung heroes behind the scenes — the quiet architects who build legends. Without Pereira’s vision, would the world have witnessed the rise of a global icon like Ronaldo? Maybe not.
His passing is a loss not just for Portuguese football, but for every young player who dreams of being discovered. His legacy, however, lives on — not in trophies, but in lives changed, dreams realized, and greatness nurtured.
⚽ Rest in peace, Aurelio Pereira. Football owes you more than we can say.
